Page 82 of Hollyhocks

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I stand, tiptoeing out of the bedroom, then close the door to not bother her.

Fishing my phone out of my pocket, Rhett’s name flashes across the screen.

“Hey, man. Is it time?” I take the steps downstairs slowly so as to not make a lot of noise. “Is Mickey in labor?”

“No. These kids are stressing me out and they aren’t even here yet. She’s sleeping right now but I can’t leave her side. I’m calling to ask for a favor.”

“Anything.” The scent of burnt eggs has me crinkling my nose and smoke hangs thick in the air. I need to crack a window.

Rhett is talking but I’m not listening because I walk into the kitchen and see the mess Holly and I made with ink smeared on the countertop. It drips onto the floor. The spot in front of the oven is where most of the mess is. I also need to get cleaned up since it’s all over me but I’m not ready to rinse Holly’s scent away just yet.

“Fitz, did you hear me?”

I snap out of my appreciative gaze. “What? No. Sorry, man. I got distracted.” I crack the window above the sink to air out some of the smoke. I’m able to see Holly’s house next door and see two figures walk around her car.

They remind me of the two men I came across on the road leaving urgent care. I keep an eye on them while listening to Rhett.

“Wait, do you have a mate?” he asks.

I grin. “I do. She’s amazing. I’m not sure how I pulled myself out of the dream but I did. I have everything I’ve ever wanted.”

“I can’t wait to meet her, Fitz. No one else deserves love more than you. I’m happy for you. Tell me about her?”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate it. She reminds me of Creed and you. She’s wild like Creed but has a clearer head and is able to think things through, like you. Holly is beautiful. She has lavender skin, horns, wings, a siren voice, and the ability to invade my dreams because she’s part succubus. She’s strong, Rhett, and protective. I love her. It’s crazy but—”

“—It isn’t crazy. That is how it is supposed to be with fated mates. Love is immediate. I really am happy for you, Fitz. You’ve taken care of everyone else for so long. I’ve always wanted this for you. For someone to take care of you.”

I clear my throat, not wanting to get too emotional. “Thanks, Rhett. That means a lot. “Okay, what did you need me to do before you make me emotional?” I chuckle, wiping under my eye.

I can’t help it. I wear my heart on my sleeves.

“I need you to go to the shop for me. Remember not to work. I really need you to bring me the order book. I have a few phone calls I need to make.”

“I can do it, Rhett. Don’t sweat it. I’ll call them.”

“No, please.” He drops his voice to a whisper. “If I don’t find something else to do besides hover over Mickey, she might kill me.”

Laughter barks out of me as I pour coffee into a thermos, spilling a little on the counter.

Eh, I’m not worried about it. It can be added to the mess for all I care.

“No, problem. Give me around an hour?” Peeking out the window again, the two men are still in her driveway, talking to one another with animated hands.

They are arguing.

“That’s fine. Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

“Sure,” I check out of the conversation, watching these two people at Holly’s house. I don’t want to wake her but I’m worried. “I’ll call you later.” I hang up the phone, tossing it on the counter.

“People are wild. Fucking around on someone’s property. You’ve got to be kidding me,” I grumble under my breath.

My phone vibrates on the table, and it is Rhett calling me again, but I ignore it. I need to see what these two men are up to. When my phone stops ringing, it starts again, and this time it’s my sister’s name on the screen.

No way in hell am I ignoring that.

I answer it as I walk into the living room. “Hey, Sis. How is my nephew?”

“I’m fine, Uncle Fitz. Really.” Elijah’s deep voice takes me by surprise.

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